The Skyrack pub in Headingley

The men gathered together the six staff before gaining access to the office at the St Michael’s Road pub and stealing cash from the safe.

They escaped in what was thought to be a grey BMW 1 Series hatchback.

Posting on Facebook, relative Chris Fletcher said staff were ‘petrified’.

He added: “My family have had the Skyrack over 20 years. If anyone has seen anything or any suspicious guys hanging around at that time or earlier this morning, get in contact, it would be much appreciated.”

It comes just weeks after the Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood was targeted by armed raiders wielding sledgehammers. Four me smashed through the door before stealing a safe and till drawers.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “These men were each armed with weapons and the members of staff involved will have understandably feared for their safety during this incident.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the suspects and would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of the pub at any point around the time it happened.

“The men left the scene in a car that was waiting outside in St Michael’s Lane. It was possibly a grey BMW 1 Series hatchback that was bearing false registration plates. It drove away along St Michael’s Lane towards Cardigan Road.”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13190114761 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.